The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Men's Soccer Drafts Local Child Through Team IMPACT
10/8/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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QUINCY, Mass. - UAB's men's soccer team welcomed its newest and youngest teammate, 10-year-old Kason, from Leeds, Ala., last week through Team IMPACT.
The Draft Day took place last Tuesday after a men's soccer practice and an additional event was held at halftime of the game versus Akron. Kason was joined by his family, the whole men's soccer team and the coaching staff at all of the events.
During the Draft Day ceremony, Kason made it official by signing his National Letter of Intent. He also proudly wore his team jersey and a UAB soccer scarf. On Saturday, he was able to spend time on the field pregame with his new teammates during warm-ups. At halftime, Kason walked to midfield and was introduced as the newest member of the team.
At nine months old, Kason was hospitalized as a result of suffering from multiple different allergies. At the age of two, he was officially diagnosed with Eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE), a chronic immune system condition in which white blood cells build-up in the esophagus, causing damage and leading to difficulty eating and swallowing. He also suffers from Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which he was diagnosed with at age five.
While he continues to fight through the effects of his illnesses, Kason is an inspiration to many. One of his talents is that he can whistle to the tune of any song. He can also do tricks on his bike, which he is very proud of.
"We are always looking to add special people to our program," said head coach Mike Getman. "Kason fits right in with the rest of our team. He is bright, fun to be with, and will make a long-term impression on our program. I couldn't be more excited to have him join us."
The newest Blazers teammate loves studying science and is a part of the gifted program at school. Some other favorites are soccer, baseball, and the TV show Starwars Rebels.
Most importantly, Kason is excited to officially join the team. With all he battles through, he truly embodies what it means to be a fighter and is sure to be an inspiration to his teammates and coaches.
- Be The IMPACT -
Team IMPACT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Team IMPACT children are drafted on to college athletic teams, local to where they live and, in effect, become official members of the team from Draft Day through to Graduation. At Team IMPACT, they envision a future where the lives of children facing the hardships associated with adverse issues and events will have access to collegiate team-based support in order to significantly enhance their quality of life in a number of ways, including; socially, psychologically, physically and academically.
Team IMPACT also strives to provide collegiate teams with increased levels of awareness, sympathy and support for the medial and disease communities. Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has already matched over 700 children with collegiate teams, at over 300 institutions in 44 states, improving the quality of life of hundreds of courageous children and touching the lives of over 21,000 student athletes. For more information, please visit: www.goteamimpact.org.
For more information on the UAB men's soccer team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_MensSoccer), on Facebook or on Instagram (@UAB_mens_soccer). For more on all Blazer sports teams follow the official social media accounts of UAB Athletics on Twitter (@UABAthletics), on Facebook (Facebook.com/UAB.Blazers), on Instagram (@uabathletics) or on Snapchat (@uabathletics).
